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In the beginning, the « Kante » line was not called so ; in fact, the «Kante» dynasty dates back to the « Diarisso » clan whose kingdom rose up since the end of the XII° century and reached up to apogee between the 1200 - 1235's.

That kingdom was known as the Sosso's kingdom (or Kaniaga).

As far as traditionists and history tellers can trace back, we may suppose that one of the famous fathers founders of this dynasty was Dâbi Kemogo Diarisso [Djarisso] called also by the jèlílua jèlí (plural, jèlílu) is a bard, loremaster, and praise-singer in the Manding areas whose functions are story-telling, speaking about lineages, singing and playing music as he want and hear it... Read more. from Mali « Diarra Kante » [« Diarra » is a laudative epithet meaning « mighty Lion » in old Mandenka tongue], and he was the father of the famous Soumaworo Kante. [chronology 1]

So what is the origin of the patronymic name « Kante » ? You may find it looking for one of the famous panegyric and praising songs devoted to Soumaworo Kante ; probably, that patronymic and clanic name dates back to that sovereign.

Indeed, MAMADI Kaba in Anthology of Manding songs gives us a plain explanation ; just read a part of his «Soumaworo Faassa», version quoted from his book :

«When the griots began to sing

The praising song to Soumahoro Kante,

All the audience put

Two fingers in ears

Except Soumahoro

And his musicians and singers.

And when Soumahoro asked :

"Who wants to speak ? "

The griots all together answered :

"MomoKante ! MomoKante !

Soumahoro Lekan ! Soumahoro Lekan "

That was meaning :

"Nobody can speak,

Soumahoro alone can speak".

And then the griots stopped

To play and sing the solemn praising song

To let only Soumahoro speak.»

In that way, was written in the deep patronymic name tyrannic and abusing power of that sovereign who mutilated the jèlí of Soundiata, Bala Fasseke and « led all the Manding clans to ally with SundjataSundiata faasa is the most famous song of the Manding tradition. This song is also known under the title of The Anthem of the Bow or Simbo... Read more who finally won him at the battle of Kirina ».